Taraji P. Henson is proving once again why she’s so beloved — not just for her acting, but for her warmth off-screen.
The Oscar-nominated star went viral this week after a fan encounter in a California parking lot turned into a social media sensation. In a 21-second clip, shared September 2 on X, Henson is seen stepping out of her Mercedes G-Wagon, rocking a lime-green outfit with white sneakers, oversized shades, and a stylish headwrap.
As she carried shopping bags and an orange package, an admirer seized the moment. Without hesitation, he asked: “Are you single?”
Caught off guard but smiling, Henson replied: “Yes I am.”
The fan then confessed: “You’ve always been my crush growing up, and I actually love you.” Henson thanked him warmly and even gave him a quick hug. Before leaving, the admirer tried a playful pun: “I would love to Dior you.” Henson laughed, waved, and went on with her day — leaving the fan with an unforgettable memory.
The clip, posted by @FearedBuck, quickly racked up over 1.8 million views, with fans applauding the man’s confidence and Henson’s kindness.
“At least he had the courage,” one user wrote. Another joked, “His confidence is unmatched. I would’ve panicked immediately.”
Meanwhile, memes compared her hug to the motherly energy of her Empire character, Cookie Lyon. Others, however, raised privacy concerns after noticing the video showed Henson’s license plate unblurred.
Despite that, the response was overwhelmingly positive. For many, the viral clip was a reminder of why Taraji P. Henson remains such a fan favorite — graceful, funny, and endlessly relatable, even in everyday moments.
